Following nearly six years of discussions, planning, construction, and a few delays, the new 227-foot-tall observation wheel at Steel Pier in Atlantic City officially opened today.

According to a post on their website and Facebook page, "THE WHEEL IS OPENING! JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEK!"

The observation wheel, which features 40 enclosed cars, will be open at noon each day this week as long as it's at least 40 degrees outside (that might be tough as the forecast this week is calling for temperatures that won't get above freezing). The 15-minute ride costs $15 for adults and $12 for children.

At 227 feet, the wheel is about the same height as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel/Condo building and about 25 feet shorter than the Bourbon Tower at Showboat, and offers spectacular views up and down the Jersey Shore.

NBC 10's Ted Greenberg got a chance to check out the wheel today...

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